GBTA Warns Potential CBP Operational Changes Risk Disrupting U.S. Travel Competitiveness and Economic Growth

GBTA statement: “In light of the U.S. Administration’s consideration of changes to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at certain airport ports of entry—including the withdrawal of CBP officers from major gateway airports—the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is expressing serious concerns about the potential implications for international travel into the U.S. and the resulting impact for the U.S. economy overall.

Efficient, reliable, and secure entry into the U.S. is foundational to both leisure and business travel. Disruptions to CBP operations could create delays, uncertainty and congestion at critical entry points into the U.S. These challenges would have cascading effects across business activity, international commerce and supply chains that depend on the seamless movement of people and goods.

Business travel, in particular, depends on predictability and confidence in the travel experience. GBTA’s latest economic impact data shows that international inbound business travel spending in the U.S. represents $50.7 billion annually, supporting jobs, investment and economic growth across the nation.

Policies that introduce friction at the border could discourage travel to the U.S. for meetings, events and investment opportunities—at a time when global competition for international travelers and business activity is intensifying. The U.S. cannot afford unintended consequences that limit its accessibility or competitiveness.

Maintaining efficient and secure border operations must remain a top priority. This includes ensuring adequate CBP staffing levels, leveraging trusted traveler programs and advancing modernized screening processes that facilitate legitimate travel while upholding strong security standards. GBTA has consistently raised concerns about policy changes affecting entry requirements—including recent ESTA-related proposals—emphasizing the importance of carefully evaluating potential impacts on global mobility and economic growth.

GBTA urges the U.S. Administration to assess the real-world impacts of these changes on travelers, businesses, the aviation system and the U.S. economy as a whole. Policies must protect national security while ensuring the U.S. remains accessible, competitive and open for business.”  – Suzanne Neufang, CEO, Global Business Travel Association

À propos de GBTA
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization serving stakeholders across six continents. GBTA and its 9,000+ members represent and advocate for the $1.69 trillion global business travel and meetings industry. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy, and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. For more information, visit GBTA.org. and GBTAFoundation.org.